HC Deb 13 February 1945 vol 408 cc22-3
40. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a Royal Tiger tank has yet reached this country; and whether he will arrange for Members of this House to inspect it.

Sir J. Grigg

There is one of these tanks in the country. It is at present being closely examined by experts.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Minister reply to the second half of my Question?

Sir J. Grigg

I think the Prime Minister gave a reply bearing on that Question some months ago. In the meantime, I think it is very much more important that the experts should get on with studying the antidotes, or the best means of reducing any such efficiency as this machine possesses.

Mr. Stokes

If the Minister will shelter behind the Prime Minister's skirts, does he recollect that in reply to a Question, the Prime Minister on 18th April last gave an implied promise that there would be a parade of all types of tanks used in the recent landings?

Sir J. Grigg

That is precisely the answer to which I was referring. All I say in regard to this particular animal is that I think it is much more important, for the time being, that the antidote should be studied before the exhibition is arranged.

Mr. Hammersley

Could my right hon. Friend explain what usefulness is served by this policy of not allowing the British public to be adequately informed about foreign tanks?

Sir J. Grigg

There is no policy of that kind. The policy is that we do not give information to the public in this country at any time when it is likely to be of value to the enemy.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Can the Minister say whether the war is likely to be over before the experts have finished their examinations?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not think so, even on the most optimistic assumption.

Sir H. Williams

Is there any objection to hon. Members being permitted to go to the place where this tank is?

Sir J. Grigg

I would be very unwilling to arrange for hon. Members to go at a time when the tank is being worked on, from the point of view of studying not only tactically, but mechanically, the best means of dealing with it.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the Secretary of State for War whether he does not think it is about time that both Members of this House and of the general public realise the appalling odds against which our men have been asked to fight?

Sir J. Grigg

Those appalling odds exist only in the imagination of the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes).

Mr. Stokes

Ask the soldiers.